How they affect the way support payments are collected by the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP)

What does "variable support order" mean?
Variable support orders allow for changes in the payment of support depending on changing circumstances. The court order specifies which particular situations will result in a change in the amount of support payable or the way support is payable.

What circumstances will cause a change in support payable?
The contingencies that can change the maintenance payable depend on the specific provisions of the court order and most commonly refer to changes in circumstances, such as:

• a reduction in the debtor’s income below a specific amount
• the debtor being laid off or becoming unemployed
• shared custody arrangements that result in the payor of the support exchanging roles with the custodial parent
• the debtor assuming additional responsibility for add-on expenses to be offset by a reduction in the amount of ongoing support payable.

Whose responsibility is it to notify MEP of changes in circumstances?
MEP will enforce the terms of the court order according to the circumstances that applied at the time the file was registered with MEP, unless notified otherwise. The parties involved are responsible for notifying MEP in the event that any of the changes of circumstances specified in the court order become applicable. MEP will require supporting documentation to confirm any change of income level or employment status. Changes in support obligations related to custody arrangements will have to be confirmed by both parents.

How does MEP ensure appropriate adjustments are made to the account?
Once MEP receives confirmation of the circumstances specified in the court order as causing a change in support, MEP staff will update the account accordingly. In most cases, the amount of the support being collected and paid to the creditor will change.

How can clients find out if their account has been adjusted?
Clients will understand why support payments have changed by referring to the variable court order they were granted. By viewing their account details on MEP Accounts Online or by calling the MEP Info Line and following the voice prompts, all clients can get updates on adjustments made to their account.